Readymade

Definition

A readymade is an ordinary manufactured object that has been selected and presented as an artwork, challenging traditional notions of art and authorship. This concept emerged in the early 20th century, primarily associated with Dada and later Neo-Dada movements, where artists sought to blur the lines between art and everyday life by repurposing common items, thus inviting viewers to reconsider their perceptions of art.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Marcel Duchamp is often credited with popularizing the readymade concept, particularly with his iconic piece 'Fountain,' which was a signed urinal presented as art.
2. Readymades emphasize the importance of the artist's intention and context over traditional craftsmanship and aesthetics in determining what constitutes art.
3. The use of readymades marked a significant shift in modern art, influencing later movements such as Pop Art and Conceptual Art by challenging conventional ideas about artistic creation.
4. Rauschenberg's Combines can be seen as a continuation of the readymade tradition, where he fused painting and sculpture by incorporating everyday objects into his artworks.
5. The idea of the readymade has been embraced by contemporary artists who continue to explore themes of consumer culture and the relationship between art and the banal aspects of daily life.

Review Questions

• How did Rauschenberg's Combines challenge traditional definitions of art through the use of readymades?
  • Rauschenberg's Combines challenged traditional definitions of art by integrating everyday objects into his works, blurring the boundaries between painting and sculpture. By incorporating readymades, he shifted focus from solely aesthetic value to the context and meaning behind the objects used. This approach emphasized the idea that art could stem from ordinary life, inviting viewers to see beauty and significance in commonplace items.
• In what ways did Duchamp's introduction of readymades influence later movements like Pop Art?
  • Duchamp's introduction of readymades significantly influenced later movements like Pop Art by legitimizing the use of commercial and everyday objects in fine art. Artists like Andy Warhol drew on Duchamp's ideas by using mass-produced items, such as Campbell's Soup cans, to comment on consumer culture. This connection encouraged a broader understanding of what could be considered art, allowing for the incorporation of commercial aesthetics into serious artistic practice.
• Evaluate the impact of readymades on the perception of art in contemporary society and how they continue to shape artistic practices today.
  • Readymades have profoundly impacted the perception of art in contemporary society by challenging established norms about creativity and craftsmanship. They have opened doors for artists to use found objects and everyday materials in innovative ways, fostering a dialogue about consumerism and cultural identity. Today, many contemporary artists embrace this legacy, using readymades to critique social issues or engage audiences in conversations about value and meaning within art, thereby continuing to reshape artistic practices.

Related terms

Dada: An avant-garde art movement that emerged during World War I, characterized by a strong anti-art sentiment and the use of absurdity and irrationality to challenge established norms.

Collage: An artistic technique that involves combining various materials, such as paper, photographs, and objects, onto a single surface to create a new composition or narrative.

Assemblage: A form of sculpture made by combining found objects, materials, and various elements into a three-dimensional work of art.